Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein related to monitoring fetal heartbeat and uterine contraction signals. An ultrasound system may be configured to sweep a volume to collect ultrasound data, detect a fetal heartbeat and/or uterine contraction signal in the ultrasound data, and automatically steer an ultrasound beam to monitor the fetal heartbeat and/or uterine contraction signal. The ultrasound system may be further configured to determine a location where the fetal heartbeat and/or uterine contraction signal is detectable or detectable at a highest quality. The ultrasound system may include a wearable ultrasound device, such as an ultrasound patch coupled to a subject. The wearable ultrasound device may have a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers capable of steering ultrasound beams in three dimensions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses and methods that include a catheter configured to be inserted into an intra-body cavity of a patient. An ultrasonic transducer array including a plurality of multi-frequency ultrasonic transducers may be arranged on the catheter. Each of the plurality of multi-frequency ultrasonic transducers may be configured to transmit a wide beam ultrasonic signal and a narrow beam ultrasound signal, and may further be configured to receive a wide beam echo signal and narrow beam echo signal. A processor may be configured to detect free space of the intra-body cavity by processing the wide beam echo signals and the narrow beam echo signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device, comprising: an adjustable arm; an imaging assembly connected to one end of the adjustable arm; and a counterweight connected to the other end of the adjustable arm through a cable, wherein the counterweight is provided with an actuator, and the actuator is connected to one end of the cable and is capable of driving the cable to move. A method for imaging using an imaging device is further provided, the method comprising: adjusting a position of an imaging assembly; adjusting the length of a cable by using an actuator, so as to adjust an effective weight of the imaging assembly acting on tissue to be imaged; and performing imaging by using the imaging assembly.

Abstract: An auditory guidance system and method for medical systems and procedures are disclosed. A method for providing auditory guidance during a medical procedure includes selecting a song for playing during the medical procedure. At least a portion of the song is assigned to the medical procedure. Parameter information for at least one parameter associated with the medical procedure is obtained during the medical procedure. The obtained parameter information is compared against predetermined thresholds for each parameter. The portion of the song associated with the parameter information is modified in accordance with the comparison and the modified portion of the song is played to provide auditory guidance during the medical procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe has an acoustic window (10) or lens (20) through which ultrasound is transmitted and received by a transducer array (30) located behind the lens or window inside a probe enclosure. The external, patient-contacting surface (24) of the acoustic lens or window is textured. The texturing of the surface of the lens or window better retains gel spread over the lens or window for an ultrasound procedure, reduces reverberation artifacts, and diminishes the appearance of scratches on the lens or window.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer (200) includes: a piezoelectric vibrator assembly (10), an acoustic matching layer (20), a heat sink (30), and an acoustic absorption layer (40). The heat sink (30) comprises a body (31), and a head portion (32) and a tail portion (33). The body (31) has a central axis extending in a direction from the head portion (32) to the tail portion (33). A surface of the tail portion (33) of the heat sink (30) disposed away from the head portion (32) is a first surface (331). The first surface (331) is an oblique surface or a tapered surface. The angle between the first surface (331) and the central axis is an acute angle. The acoustic absorption layer (40) at least covers the first surface (331).

Abstract: A needle guide for use with a handheld probe having a connector protruding from a probe surface. The needle guide can include an upper portion including an upper surface, a lower portion defining a cavity to receive the connector of the handheld probe, and a needle channel. The needle channel can extend from a proximal portion of the upper surface to a distal end of the upper surface. The needle channel can have a fixed size. The needle guide can include a guide surface extending into the upper portion and the lower portion of the needle guide at a proximal end of the needle guide. The guide surface can include a concave shape with a conical surface that funnels into a proximal end of the needle channel.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to providing feedback a user to position an ultrasound device. Some embodiments include configuring the ultrasound device to alternate collection of ultrasound images having one image plane and collection of ultrasound images having the other image plane, and providing feedback to the user to position the ultrasound device based on the ultrasound images. In such embodiments, feedback may be provided for simultaneously centering the anatomical structure in both types of ultrasound images. Some embodiments include collecting ultrasound images having one image plane, providing feedback for centering the anatomical structure in those ultrasound images, and once the anatomical structure is centered in those ultrasound images, collecting ultrasound images having another image plane and providing feedback for centering the anatomical structure in those ultrasound images.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus for medical examination using ultrasonic waves, comprising a movable transducer probe which includes a transducer array of electroacoustic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic signals into a patient body and receiving as analog raw data ultrasonic echoes; the transducer probe configured to generate digital raw data based on the received analog raw data which comprises measurement data sets for temporally consecutive measurement time intervals, and is configured to transmit the digital raw data via a digital data interface; a computer device configured to buffer the respective measurement data sets of the digital raw data and is configured to carry out a digital beamforming for each of the buffered measurement data sets, to obtain a reconstructed image of the tissue sector, and generate, based on the reconstructed images, an image stream with a predetermined image refresh rate and supply it to a display means which reproduces the image stream.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a plurality of ultrasonic images relating to a subject, the plurality of ultrasonic images being obtained by varying an incident direction of an ultrasonic beam. The processing circuitry detects, based on the plurality of ultrasonic images, anisotropies at positions in an ultrasonic image with respect to the ultrasonic beam. The processing circuitry classifies tissues of the subject into regions, based on brightness values of the ultrasonic image and the anisotropies.

Abstract: A system and method for ultrasound imaging may involve the use of an ultrasound probe and a processor coupled to the probe and to a source of previously-acquired ultrasound image data. The processor may be configured to receive patient identification information (e.g., responsive to user input and/or supplemented by additional information such a photo of the patient), to determine whether the patient identification information identifies a recurring patient, and if so, to retrieve, from the source of previously-acquired ultrasound image data, previous ultrasound images associated with the recurring patient.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that may easily and accurately understand the presence or absence and degree of continuity in the three dimensional direction of a low echo region.

Abstract: The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a medical image acquired by performing an imaging of a target in a subject and position data corresponding to the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the acquired medical image and the acquired position data, an unimaged region of the target that is not included in the medical image.

Abstract: A system for MRI-guided interventional needle procedures comprises a master device providing haptic feedback to and receiving position commands from the operator, a robot controller receiving position commands and providing force information to said master device, a navigation component receiving images from an MRI scanner; said navigation component providing trajectory planning information to said robot controller, a slave robot driving a needle, the slave robot receiving control information from the robot controller, and a fiber optic sensor operatively connected to said slave robot. The fiber optic sensor provides data to the robot controller to provide force information to the master device. The master device, robot controller, navigation component, slave robot and sensor are compatible with an MRI environment and operate inside an MRI scanner room.

Abstract: Tools used to acquire a core tissue sample are disclosed. A portion of the tools may be configured to rotate when acquiring the core tissue sample. The tools include a partoff tab to sever the core tissue sample from a lesion and to retain the core tissue sample when the tool is removed from the patient. The tools may further include a light source to illuminate a working field.

Abstract: Methods provide for the concurrent evaluation, detection and treatment of actual or potential medical conditions at a site of a body, and are particularly directed to medical procedures and concurrent treatment of areas of the body that are difficult to visualize; and a kit providing apparatus for carrying out evaluation, detection and real-time treatment of the site of a body for actual or potential medical conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue-collection stylet is configured with inward-facing barbs, for use in a needle, and particularly configured to capture intact tissue cores suitable for histological analysis. The stylet may be provided together with a needle as part of a biopsy system in which the stylet remains at least partially or fully within a lumen of the needle during collection of tissue samples and/or other samples.

Abstract: A medical or dental instrument part having a coupling device, a medical or dental instrument part controller, at least one sensor which is configured to generate a sensor signal and three electrical lines, wherein a first shared electric line and a second shared electric line of the three electrical lines connect the medical or dental instrument part controller and an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to a shared electrical power source to supply electrical power from the shared electrical power source, and wherein a third electric line of the three electric lines connects the medical or dental instrument part controller and the sensor to a control, regulating or supply unit, so that the sensor signal can be transmitted to the control, regulating or supply unit.

Abstract: A system having an elongate assembly, an expandable assembly having a fixed end region and a movable end region, the expandable assembly selectively transitioning between an expanded state and an unexpanded state with movement of the movable end region towards the fixed end region, and an advancement aid extending distally from the expandable assembly.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a drive unit on a support. The drive unit includes motors or other actuators and a plurality of output elements arranged such that operation of each drive unit linearly translates a corresponding one of the output elements. A surgical device has actuation elements extending through an elongate shaft to a distal articulation section, and an input subsystem carried at the proximal end of the shaft. Linear translatable input elements or pistons of the input subsystem are each associated with a corresponding one of the actuation elements. The input and output elements are positioned such that operation of an actuator linearly translates an output element, causing linear translation of a corresponding input element and engagement of an actuation element. A sterile drape is positionable between the input elements and the output elements.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor system provides for securing tissue to bone and includes an anchor with a collapsible suture loop affixed thereto and a tissue suture connected to the collapsible suture loop. After the tissue suture is loaded into the tissue and the anchor implanted into the bone the collapsible loop is collapsed to tension the tissue suture.

Abstract: A graft securing system including at least one expandable frame moveable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, and at least one anchor coupled to the frame via an elastic support strut, said anchor including: an anchor base, at least one deflectable prong protruding from said anchor base and having at least one penetration tip and at least one restraining sleeve at least partially slideably moveable along the at least one prong and wherein in the collapsed state, the support strut is biased radially centrally bringing the at least one anchor to point generally axially, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for guiding a needle to facilitate suturing, such as in surgical anastomosis. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one guide member configured to extend from a suturing mechanism that is configured to revolve a helically-shaped needle around an axis while the needle is advanced around an object to be sutured. A guide track is configured to be positioned around the object and to guide the suturing mechanism in an articulated path around the object. The guide track defines at least one guide channel configured to receive the guide member, where the at least one guide channel is configured to direct movement of the guide member to cause the suturing mechanism to pivot to realign the axis to be tangential to the curved guide track.

Abstract: Disclosed are surgical constructs and methods of use for a one-way adjustable fixation loop that is formed by tying two knots in a surgical filament, each knot defining an individual adjustable loop and the individual adjustable loops being interconnected to form the one-way adjustable fixation loop. The knots enable a non-spliceable suture to be used in the creation of the one-way adjustable fixable loop. Embodiments can include a fixation device, such as a cortical button or plate for use in a bone tunnel, and enable the knots to work independent of and suspended below the fixation device. Embodiments can increase the compatibility of the adjustable fixation loop with existing fixation devices and can isolate and protect the knots from damage during use and after implantation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer suture fastener that includes a generally disc-shaped body defining a plurality of axially spaced-apart layers. Each layer can include an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. A suture opening can extend from the inner axial surface to the outer axial surface of each layer. The suture openings can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. One or more lines of suture can be passed through the suture openings when in the open configuration. The suture openings can be placed in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the one or more lines of suture can be restricted by radial surfaces of the suture opening from sliding through the suture openings in at least one longitudinal direction of the one or more lines of suture.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame configured to counter-rotatably support two generally parallel rollers. A first roller supported by the frame has a flat surface configured to rollably engage a first face of a shaft of a helically-shaped needle. A second roller supported by the frame has a grooved surface defining a groove that is configured to at least partially receive a second face of the shaft. The bottom of the groove has a bottom width at least as wide as the second face and bounded by sides extending to a groove opening at the grooved surface having a surface width that is wider than the second face.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for guiding a needle to facilitate suturing, such as in surgical anastomosis. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame configured to counter-rotatably support two generally parallel rollers. A first roller supported by the frame has a flat surface configured to rollably engage a first face of a shaft of a helically-shaped needle. A second roller supported by the frame has a grooved surface defining a helical groove is configured to at least partially receive a second face of the shaft. The second roller further defines a correcting recess bounded by lateral surfaces at a forward end of the groove that tapers to a width of the groove at the forward end. When the leading end is received into the correcting recess, at least one of the lateral surfaces engages and guides the leading end into the forward end of the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath and a motorized driving mechanism. The body assembly is configured to actuate the driving mechanism. The end effector includes a staple deck, an anvil, a first staple driver, and a second staple driver. The first staple driver is configured to fire a first annular array of staples of the plurality of staples against the anvil to deform the first annular array of staples at a first compressed staple height. The second staple driver is configured to fire a second annular array of staples of the plurality of staples against the anvil to deform the second annular array of staples at a second compressed staple height independent of the first staple driver. The first compressed staple height and the second compressed staple height are different.

Abstract: A method of coating a slip ring for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a slip ring including a plurality of conductive elements, and depositing a material less conductive than the conductive elements onto the conductive elements of the slip ring.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes: a jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; and an articulating assembly removably coupled to the proximal end of the jaw assembly, the articulating including a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member, wherein the jaw assembly and the distal joint member define a first longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the jaw assembly and a distal end of the distal joint member, and the proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implant (500) comprises an elastic deformation portion (51) and a connection portion (52) connected with the proximal end (511) of the elastic deformation portion (51), wherein the elastic deformation portion (51) is covered by an elastic outer layer (55); the proximal end of the connection portion (52) is surrounded by a tightening ring (58); and the proximal end of the elastic outer layer (55) is covered by the tightening ring (58). Since the proximal end of the elastic outer layer (55) of the implant (500) is surrounded by a tightening ring (58), the elastic outer layer (55) is closely attached on the connecting portion (52) of the implant (500), such that the elastic outer layer (55) can be prevented from being rolled over from the surface of the implant (500) when the implant (500) is implanted, thereby improving safety of lung volume reduction surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed are a left atrial appendage occlusion device (100, 300) and a left atrial appendage occlusion system. A connecting member (140, 240, 340, 440) comprises a first unit (140a, 240a, 440a) and a second unit (140b, 240b, 440b), wherein the first unit (140a, 240a, 440a) is connected to a first frame (110, 310, 410), the second unit (140b, 240b, 440b) is connected to a second frame (120, 320, 420), and the first unit (140a, 240a, 440a) is rotatably connected to the second unit (140b, 240b, 440b).

Abstract: A tourniquet device comprising a first jaw having a first tapered tip, and a second jaw having a second tapered tip, the first and second jaws being moveable towards one another to provide a pressure to a member positioned between the jaws. The first tapered tip is offset from the second tapered tip such that the first tapered tip and the second tapered tip are moveable relative to one another in separate planes and the first tapered tip is moveable past the second tapered tip as the first and second jaws are moved towards one another.

Abstract: A method for correcting position of an osteotomy guide tool and an orthopedic operation system are disclosed. A trackable element mounted on the osteotomy guide tool or on the robotic arm tracks the position of the osteotomy guide tool and generates position information of the trackable element. According to the current position and the desired position of the trackable element, a robotic arm drives the osteotomy guide tool and the trackable element to move, until the trackable element is moved to the desired position. This method does not need to consider the absolute position accuracy of the robotic arm, and does not rely on the experience of the surgeon. The tool has several guiding features, which can provide guides for osteotomy operations, so that the same osteotomy guide tool can perform multiple operations of osteotomy and punching, thus greatly reducing the operation time and improving the operation efficiency.

Abstract: A method of correcting an alignment between bones of a foot may involve positioning a first cutting slot of a bone cutting guide over a first metatarsal and inserting a first fixation pin through a first fixation aperture of the bone cutting guide and into the first metatarsal. The method may also involve inserting a cutting member through the first cutting slot to remove a portion of the first metatarsal and adjusting an alignment of the first metatarsal relative to a first cuneiform. In some examples, the method further includes positioning a second cutting slot of the bone cutting guide over the first cuneiform and inserting a second fixation pin through a second fixation aperture of bone cutting guide into the first cuneiform.

Abstract: An example method includes obtaining, via a virtual surgical plan for an orthopedic joint repair surgical procedure for a patient, a target value of parameter of a modification to be made to a bone of the patient with a tool; obtaining a current value of the parameter; comparing the current value of the parameter and the target value of the parameter; and automatically and selectively adjusting a state of the tool based on the comparison.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument may include an elongated body with a proximal end and distal end. A clamp lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body. The clamp lever may be moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A biasing element may be configured to bias the clamp lever to the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant system that comprises an implant, a handle configured to removably receive the implant, and, in some embodiments, a spacer tool configured to be mounted on the implant. In further embodiments, a k-wire is employed to guide the implant to a desired location. The handle has a hole for receiving a first portion of the implant. Using the handle to implant the implant, along with an associated spacer, provides a quick and convenient method for implanting the implant as described herein and in the associated drawings.

Abstract: A minimally invasive hip arthroplasty technique involves intramedullary insertion of an elongate femoral broach into a femur. The broach has a superior lateromedial transverse bore. A reaming rod is then located through the transverse bore and the neck of the femur. A cutting head is coupled to a distal end of the reaming rod via an incision. An orthogonal drive arm of an arthroplasty jig may also be inserted behind the cutting head to press the cutting head to ream the acetabulum while the reaming rod rotates the cutting head.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resecting a knee joint using a navigated pin guide driver system. The navigated pin guide driver system communicates with a navigation system to aid a user in placing cut block pins into the knee joint. The navigated pin guide driver system may include a handle, a reference element that electronically communicates with the navigation system, one or more pin guide tubes that may correspond to one or more cut blocks, and a distal tip that is configured to attach to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument for use in resecting a patient's bone is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument may be for single patient use and may be disposed of at the end of each surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method of preparing a knee joint for a prosthesis in a patient includes mating a patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface of a femoral alignment guide onto a corresponding three-dimensional femoral joint surface of the patient. The patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface is preoperatively configured from medical scans of the knee joint of the patient. First and second holes are drilled into an anterior portion of the femoral joint surface through corresponding first and second guiding apertures of the femoral alignment guide.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for removing embolic material from an intravascular site. An elongate, flexible tubular body has a tubular side wall defining at least one axially extending lumen. An axial restraint is carried by an inner surface of the side wall and exposed to the lumen. A rotatable core wire is extendable through the lumen, and may include an obstruction engaging tip. The core wire has a limit with a distally facing bearing surface for rotatably engaging the restraint. The limit and the restraint are configured to permit rotation of the core wire but limit distal advance of the tip to a predetermined relationship with the distal end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device including a profiled member made from a piece of mesh material. The piece in a relaxed condition in axial cross section has a generally cylindrical outer profile. The piece includes a central cross part with a generally S shaped profile, with respective side parts extending circumferentially in a clockwise direction from each end of the cross part, to provide a free end located adjacent an opposite end of the cross part.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for external manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles in vasculature using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator. In one embodiment, the systems and methods relate to the control of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Magnetic nanoparticles are provided having a non-specialized chemical coating facilitating association with a chemical composition by a user before infusion. Systems are provided for delivering a consistent infusion mass of magnetic nanoparticles to a patient.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.